Anne Marie's Top Five Drinks of 2012!

Here's the thing about me and drinking-- from the time that I was "of age", I drank primarily wine. And champagne. My perception of beer was what I saw in commercials and bottles or cans at wedding receptions. It was crap. If I wanted different, it was some stereotyped cocktail in a martini glass.

In hindsight, I realize I had a reverse evolution. The last five years have been spent downing Moscow Mules for more than a copper cup, coveting glasses of red with great legs and opening myself up to craft brews. I appreciated a fine meal long before a fine drink, but I'm making up for lost times. Enjoy a recap of some memorable sips from this year!5. The First Tee at Pelican Grill

(Pictured above) Before the weather gave twists and turns like Disney's California Screamin', we motored down Newport Center Drive
for an idyllic sunset. And our preferred way to leave the day behind
was sipping a cocktail; the only quandary was selecting an appropriate
one.Our citrus-infused encounter begins with Grey Goose L'orange. Offsetting
the rich base, grapefruit and lemon keep things tart. An addition of
rose champagne colors our drink into Creamsicle hues, while all-natural
agave rounds out this tall order. Its fruity taste more breakfast Julius
than happy hour toast, we found it eye-opening and unpretentious except
in name. Though we'd much rather cover our bar tab than greens fees. 22651 Pelican Hill Rd, Newport Coast; 949-467-6800, www.pelicanhill.com

4. The Antioxidant Intoxicant at The Corner

Anne Marie Panoringan

The Antioxidant Intoxicant

Veev is a curious acai spirit. Acai berries are considered one of the
highest sources of antioxidants. The unsweetened, 60 proof liquor needed
a worthy counterpart. The ion in Ion vodka is infused with electrolyes,
which rehydrate you. Together they form the opposite of spa water, yet
garnished with cucumber, basil and mint for extra freshness.

A Catch-22 for cocktails, drinking the mix intends to cleanse and screw
up your decision-making skills in no time. Psychologically, I'm
convinced it tastes a little like medicine-- a spoonful of sugary medicine. If
only our intoxicant came with an equally effective personal trainer.8961 Adams Ave, Huntington Beach; (714) 968-6800, www.thecornerhb.com.